Ross Farm Museum offers winter fun

The Ross Farm Museum offers visitors lots to do, even in the winter. (FILE)

Ross Farm Museum in New Ross is showcasing winter — much as 1800s farm families would have experienced it — in a lineup of weekend demonstrations through March plus a week’s worth of kids’ activities during March break.

“We have hot chocolate. We have a coasting hill for people to use if they bring their own sleds. We have snowshoes that we lend out so people can go for a little walk on those. We do wagon rides, if we can.”

Weather conditions will control which outdoor activities can take place on a given day, so Workman urges anyone hoping to participate to call ahead.

For anyone looking to escape the cold, Vanguard: 150 years of Remarkable Nova Scotians — celebrating Nova Scotians who made significant contributions over the past 150 years — is on display until April. Included in this exhibition is an art installation, Pollinating Constellation.

Demonstrations on cooking, candlemaking and many others are planned this winter at Ross Farm Museum. (FILE)

Ross Farm is hosting the following weekend demonstrations this winter:

Snowshoe Demonstration, Feb. 17-18 — Interpreters will demonstrate the traditional art of snowshoe-making. Snowshoes will be available so visitors can experience snowshoeing firsthand.

By the Light of the Candle, Feb. 24-25 — In the early 1800s, families made their own candles to create a light source for their homes. Staff will demonstrate the process of making dipped candles just like settlers did back -Open Hearth Cooking, March 3-4 — Sample dishes cooked on the open hearth, the way our ancestors prepared food for their families.

March Break activities

March 10-18 — This weeklong event features hands-on activities and crafts that everyone can participate in throughout the day. Hot chocolate will be served, and there will be sleigh rides (weather permitting). Each day’s activities follow a theme:

Saturday, March 10 — Tasty Treats

Sunday, March 11 — Traditional Skills

Monday, March 12 — Springtime on the Farm

Tuesday, March 13 — For the Birds

Wednesday, March 14 — Explore the Outdoors

Thursday, March 15 — Tasty Treats

Friday, March 16 — Fun on the Farm

Saturday, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day

Sunday, March 18 —Easter.

Wonders of Maple Syrup

March 24-25 — Sample maple syrup and pancakes in Rosebank Cottage and learn about the process of tapping trees, collecting sap and boiling the sap down over an outdoor fire.

Admission for each event is $20 for families (two adults maximum), $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 65 and older, $6 for students (with student card) and $3 for children ages six to 17. Children five and younger are admitted free of charge.

Ross Farm Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 902-689-2210 or visit rossfarm.novascotia.ca.